MichiganRadio

Lansing City Employees to see Furlough Days LANSING, MI (MPRN) - Lansing Mayor Virg Bernero has issued an executive order that will use employee furlough days to help fill a three million dollar mid-year budget gap. Bernero says all Lansing city employees must take 9 unpaid furlough days between now and the end of the fiscal year in June.

He says his plan keeps the city from having to lay off workers, and it could be something the city could use to address its ongoing financial problems.

"Normally, somebody would look at furlough days, or closed days in government, as a temporary solution," Bernero said."An open question is, is this a new normal? Will we be looking at less days of government service?"

The furlough days will also affect police and firefighters, but Bernero says emergency services won't be compromised.

The city's four major labor unions still need to approve the plan.

Bernero's plan also includes 10-percent across the board cuts in operating and capital expenses.
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